PLAY UNTIL YOUR CLOTHES ARE DIRTY!

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Reprinted here with revisions.

Monkey Bars, Mud Pies, and Movement
by: M.B.Varville-Rodriguez
 

Copyright 2018 World of Writer Mom

PLAY UNTIL YOUR CLOTHES ARE DIRTY!


💜
 

It's O.K. to let the kiddos enjoy a water play fountain or mud puddle once in a while.  One of the best memories I have from childhood is when my younger brother and I played in a huge mud puddle outside our home.  We were covered in mud and totally soaked in dirty water.  My parents, unbeknownst to us, were filming our antics.  They have the evidence that I encouraged my brother to dip his hair into the filthy muck and we both laughed as the muddy water trickled down his face when he lifted his head.  We had a blast and I'm still amazed that my parents actually let us do that.  My mother said that she never could get all that mud out of our clothing no matter how many times she washed them.  But that memory is priceless. 

Documenting Priceless Memories is an Investment 
in Your Family's History! 

Don't worry, my brother got me back many times over.  He could tell me a story with a straight face and I always believed him.  I kinda still do.  His jokes are legendary and I love it when he sends me my favorite "Far Side" cartoons.  But the amount of fun we had as kids often involved getting as much mud, dirt, and water on ourselves as possible before the street lights came on at night.

  Let's paint, create with play dough, cook in the kitchen, 
and make blanket tents! 

Copyright 2018 World of Writer Mom

Kids need lots of opportunities to explore, play, and get messy.  I remember a day when I took my three children to a park right after it rained.  I had not anticipated the play area would be so flooded.  The kids were restless and didn't care that the ground beneath the swing set was muddy.  They had been in the house all day and needed to play.  I hadn't planned for it, but went ahead and let them get messy.  They laughed, had fun, and even made up stories to go along with their muddy adventure.  I couldn't help but laugh with them as I recalled my own muddy memories.  We finally decided to go home when it became too chilly and the wind picked up.  I didn't even mind the clean up of both car and kids following our visit to the park.  

Here are a few things to remember if it's hard for you 

to get on board with the tremendous messes 
that come with childhood:

Kids LOVE Projects!

1.  Kids are washable.  A bit of bath water and some soap and most of them clean up pretty well.  😉

Copyright 2018 World of Writer Mom

2.  Messy memories are some of the best.  We also loved lots of finger painting (that often reached beyond their finger tips), 
play dough, cookie creations (lots of flour everywhere), and bubbles. All of these required clean up.

Documenting family memories 
is a great way to preserve your history! 

3.  Dirt, sand, and grass stains were the result of many creative play adventures.  Kids learn through play. 
 Let them have opportunities to explore and get messy! 
Then take them to the laundry mat for a whole new adventure!  (Lol)

Copyright 2018 World of Writer Mom

4.  Don't worry too much about the clothes. They outgrow them pretty fast anyways.  Also, shop at thrift stores like Good Will and The ARC to save on clothing costs.  Then you won't feel as bad when the clothes get messed up. Save other clothes for special occasions if you'd like, but be prepared to take pictures right after putting them on the kiddos.  Chances are, that adorable outfit won't stay clean very long. 

Copyright 2018 World of Writer Mom

Inside Secrets of a Former Child Development Teacher

TIP:  If your child attends a full day child care program/school, please expect that at some point those clothes will become dirty. Please do NOT send them in their best outfits and expect them to look the same way at the end of the day. They need to have fun, and the teachers need to worry about other things besides keeping clothes clean.

5.  Kids LOVE projects!  When my siblings and I were growing up, my mother signed up to receive craft kits once a month.  This kept us occupied and allowed our family to create some incredibly fun things: Candle making, Macrame plant hangers, Decoupage decorations for the wall, Cross stitch Christmas ornaments, and so many more! 

CREATIVE PROJECTS for KIDS

I have to remind myself on a daily basis that messes comes with childhood.  Now that my three children are much older, I do have expectations that they pick up their room and try to keep the house clean.  (And that battle is for another blog.)

Copyright 2018 World of Writer Mom

As I write this, their rooms reflect a disaster of epic proportions and I am trying to breathe through the trauma that occurs when I walk past their door....one I try to keep closed.  But for now, I'll smile at the messy memories as we work toward that next stage in their development. 

Happy Thursday everyone!

Copyright 2018 World of Writer Mom

Wishing everyone a wonderful week filled 

with challenges, adventures, &

plenty of resources to tackle your goals!

Kindest Regards,

~ Mary

Preserve your memories!

 





💜



 

Moments for A Monday ~ 2019 (Post #5)

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Pediatric Critical Care Nursing ~ A Profession that Provides Emotional and Physical Healing 
Article Comments added by: M.B.Varville-Rodriguez


Note: a variation of this post was published 11/27/2016 and is still relevant.
It covers a topic that has arisen this weekend, so I decided to edit and share it again.
We never know when something we say or do will have a lasting effect. Sometimes, it's
important to remind ourselves that our role is not to become recognized for those moments,
but to live with intent that it could make a difference. Keep writing your stories!



I have the honor of reading the most incredible stories thanks to Twitter, Face Book, and the many writers I meet courtesy of our internet connections. These are the individuals who inspire me and ignite the fire that keeps my writer's soul warm and open to whatever I need to share. I found this article on Twitter. It was published by The Washington Post.
 I hope you will take a moment to read it. 

Graphic Attributed to: 

http://www.cheo.on.ca/Uploads/Nurse%20and%20baby.JPG

This article, written by a Pediatric Nurse, is a great reminder to all of us that we have important work to do today.  Although Mondays can be difficult, we can choose to see it as another opportunity to make a difference in:

1. How we interact with each other.

2. The attitude we take to our places of employment.

3. The meetings (both scheduled and spontaneous)where we will 

     use our voices for positive communication.

4. Our ability to collaborate in a loving manner.

Even when our situations seem grim and filled with unanswered questions, there is a way to manage the emotions that often threaten our personal wellness.  Sometimes, individuals are put into our path to heighten our awareness and encourage us to make necessary changes.  We can either choose to ignore those cues or embrace them for the inspirations they create. 

I wish you a week filled with adventure, resolution of your concerns, and a list of at least 3 inspirational moments that occurred for you.  Please come back and share them with us at the end of your week!  I hope you will also follow me on Twitter at: 

https://twitter.com/PTZTree



Tioseban & Konhill Shoes
50% off Primeknit Trainers CODE: PT50

You are invited to FOLLOW on Face Book at:

https://www.facebook.com/writermomadvocate/

Wishing all of you a week of adventures,

solutions to your challenges,

answers to your prayers,

& resources to help you survive

all of your collaborative projects!

Kindest Wishes,

~ Mary

TEN THINGS A WRITER MOM NEEDS 2019 (Article #1)

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TEN THINGS A WRITER MOM NEEDS 2019 (Article #1)
Written by: M.B.Varville-Rodriguez

Copyright 2019 WorldofWriterMom

ONE
Comfy Shoes and the ability to Move Around

It's important to have mobility so you can change scenery, direction, and position. A writer thrives when given the opportunity to look at the world in a new light. Allow your feet to experience support and comfort with these Tiosenbon Knitted Sneakers and sneak away from home for a few moments.  Allow those thoughts to process while you go for a walk or travel in comfort.  Use the links in this article or just click on the pics to purchase your own!

TWO
A cup of hot tea

Have something beautiful available as you make your hot tea. Enjoy a soothing beverage while you write and spill the tea. I have loved the sensation of brewing herbal tea and sipping this heart warming, soul softening liquid since childhood.  I loved it when my mother would bring out her beautiful ceramic teapot, steep a few bags of chamomile and Lipton's black tea, and pour a mug of this brew with some sugar and (if we had a tummy ache) a teaspoon of Christian Brother's Brandy. Always made me and my siblings feel better.  There's something incredibly comforting in the ritual of sipping (and spilling) tea.  Here's a treasure for you to begin your own traditions.

THREE
A Cool Logo

So admittedly, I am still searching for a design I can settle on. In the interim, I am having fun as I try out different logos; allowing myself time to be creative.  It's a process.  Here's a reasonably priced company that often offers discounts and is willing to work with you to develop a concept for you website.  

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1273424&u=1690540&m=84069&urllink=&afftrack=

FOUR

Pain Management for Periods

Parenting and writing are challenging enough without the added stress of painful periods every month. (Sometimes more than once a month.) I recently discovered this strategy and definitely wished it had been available earlier in my feminine journey. It's always best practices to have this conversation with a trusted health care professional.  Having multiple pain relief options that minimize the risk of side effects can be a relief, especially when you have a busy schedule and deadlines to accommodate.  LIVIA can help you live the lifestyle you desire.

FIVE
A safe, ergonomic way to carry baby
(without killing your back!)

Sometimes my best ideas show up while I am "momming."  Sometimes my best "momming" happens when I am looking for a way out of my writer's block. Getting out of the house and out of my head works well for everyone!  Here is an ergonomically designed infant carrier that will give you the freedom to work outside of home on your next writing assignments (the brain storming part) while enjoying time with your little one.  Take a walk, go to the store and people watch (great place to get ideas for your characters), or hold baby while you type out a few lines at home on your computer.  The MiaMily carrier has what you need! You'll fall in love with all the options while you and your baby experience adventures near and far. 

If you prefer a wrap, this company (Boba,Inc.) has additional options for your consideration!  Check out the fabulous colors and designs created for your unique style! Select your favorite and share your style in the comments section. 

Six

Simplify your photo designs and graphics

Photolemur 3 puts the creative control back into your hands with this program. Take advantage of the incredible Valentine's Day deal. Let Photolemur do the hard work so you can focus on making your site content shine.  Photolemur 3 is a smart choice for the busy writer mom.  

Seven
Take care of yourself too. Make time to exercise!

Be active! Sometimes it's hard to schedule in a workout when you're busy caring for baby, planning and writing your next article, and managing all the responsibilities that go along with these tasks.  I always say I'm raising my human babies along with my literary babies.  Is it possible to balance those responsibilities? Yes. Is it easy? No. No it isn't.  But you can make sure you have access to the resources necessary for your success.  Here's another strategy for taking your brain -storming sessions on the road.  You and your baby will love spending time together as you travel in style with Summer Infant strollers.  

EIGHT
Create a kick ass office space

Having a dedicated home office where you can work on your projects will set the stage for a successful home business.  Keeping track of supplies (for you and for your children's projects) creates a focused space where chaos is minimized and productivity is maximized.  Find your peace and create a writer's world that highlights your bad ass mom skills too. This chair is advertised for "gamers" but who says it has to be for video games?  You decide how to get your game on. Write and create in comfort and style with this beauty! 

Chair by: CROV Focus Tech

Keep your design materials and project files organized!
Baskets by:Winnoby LLC

Surround yourself with beautiful textiles in a variety of colors and textures.  
Select fabrics that make your heart happy and  feel your spirit soar in your creative pursuits.

NINE

Sleep! Tired Writer Moms need SLEEP!

                                                            

Writers and Moms have a lot in common. We tend to stay up way too late and many of us are missing out in the "good sleep" department. Writer Moms have even greater challenges when it comes to acquiring the best sleep possible. We often try to get our writing done when the kids finally get to bed, and get so caught up in our characters that we forget to go to sleep.  Instead of allowing ourselves to get sucked into the wormhole of parenting and writing, how about making sleep so comfortable and enticing that we schedule it into our routine?  And stick to it!  Here's a couple of options that will have you looking forward to settling in at night and setting some much needed boundaries.

Step one: Get a WEIGHTED Blanket!

It has an amazing, calming effect on the body.

Don't miss out on this SALE!

Step two:

MATTRESSES DON'T LAST FOREVER! 

REPLACE THEM!

Work with baby next to you! 

So many beautiful fabric options.

Comfy and portable for infant/toddler care!

TEN
Stay well hydrated

Have this flavorful water delivered to your door. It's that easy!

 A well hydrated writer mom is important for everyone!

Wishing all of you a week of adventures,

solutions to your challenges,

answers to your prayers,

& resources to help you survive

all of your collaborative projects!

Kindest Wishes,

~ Mary